Learning Management Systems

Blackboard Acquires X-Ray Analytics for Moodle

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 07/02/15

Blackboard has acquired X-Ray Analytics, a predictive analytics tool for education, and plans to integrate it with its Moodlerooms and Moodle Enterprise learning management systems (LMS), among other products.

X-Ray Analytics is designed to allow "instructors to support learners more efficiently by providing visualizations of past behavior and performances at the course, cross-course and institutional levels," according to a news release. "It also empowers instructors through the provision of statistically based predictions on likely future behaviors, academic outcomes and risk factors so they can engage with learners in a way that is targeted to their actual activity. For example, instructors can step in when they see a potential area of risk and provide greater support."

The cloud-based tool uses data already generated by the learning management systems and will be added to additional Blackboard platforms in the future, according to information released by the company.

"Learning analytics is a strategic approach that institutions across the world are increasingly adopting to make more informed decisions and take more effective actions to support learners," said Mark Strassman, senior vice president of industry and product management at Blackboard, in a prepared statement. "X-Ray Analytics technology will provide insights and recommendations directly within the learning environment that have statistical validity and levels of certainty that are not provided through standard reporting. We're thrilled to offer it to all of our open source customers and meet their needs to improve learner success and retention."